4 Reasons to Install an Outdoor Shower

The humble outdoor shower, once a humble fixture at the beach, has matured into a stylish and desirable feature for many Australian homes.

It serves practical purposes, sure, but can also play a unique role in enhancing your overall outdoor space.

If you want to install an outdoor shower, keep reading to discover why this shower fixture could be the sparkling gem your backyard needs.

Let’s take a look at four reasons to install an outdoor shower in your backyard.

1. Keep Your Indoor Clean with an Outdoor Rinse

Let’s start with one of the most pragmatic reasons to install an outdoor shower. If you’ve spent your day sweating it out under the scorching summer sun, working in the garden, or having a grand old time at the beach, the thought of tracking sand, dirt, or even grass and leaves into your clean house can be daunting.

How about a sprint through the water line of the garden hose? Nah, that’s just not the same as a full, invigorating rinse.

• An invigorating experience: Enter the outdoor shower. Finishing your day under the refreshing jets of a cold shower, or if your outdoor shower installation includes it – hot and cold water can be a genuinely invigorating experience. You can wash off the grime before setting foot inside, keeping your indoor showers and baths cleaner for longer. Brilliant, isn’t it?
• Pool-side convenience: Likewise, if you’re lucky enough to have a pool at home, outdoor showers offer a convenient way for a quick rinse before and after taking a dip (only cold water, though). This greatly reduces the amount of chlorine and other pool chemicals that will typically need dealing with later.

2. The Pleasure of Showering in Nature

The thought of soapy water glistening on sun-kissed skin under the open sky may sound a bit dreamy or luxurious, but that’s precisely the essence of an outdoor shower! It’s not just functional, it offers an experience, a connection to nature without leaving the comfort of your home.

• A cool respite in summer: In the blistering Australian summer, a cold outdoor shower can be a godsend, creating a cool, refreshing haven to escape the heat.
• Connect with the outdoors: An outdoor shower provides a unique way to enjoy nature while partaking in an everyday task. You can admire your lush garden, watch the sun dip below the horizon, or perhaps gaze at the stars in the night sky while enjoying the refreshing hot or cold showers. It’s simple, life’s little pleasures – like a great shower – can turn into something extraordinary.

3. Enhance Your Home's Appeal

To put it into perspective, outdoor showers provide a unique selling proposition; they act as an extra feature that differentiates your home from others on the market.

And in this competitive real estate market, every single point of distinction counts – it could be the key factor that tips potential homebuyers in favour of your property.

• Eye-catching part of your home: Designed right, outdoor showers can be extremely eye-catching, transforming your outdoor area and adding a splash of luxe to your backyard. From sleek minimalist structures with high-quality shower fixtures to rustic freestanding showers set amidst your garden, the aesthetic range is vast.
• Boost your property value: Outdoor showers are a desirable feature for many potential home buyers, especially in beachside communities or homes with pools. Installing an outdoor shower can give your property a leg up in the market with increased appeal and added value.

4. Outdoor Showers are Quite Practical

Practicality rules all things, doesn’t it? Regardless of how divine outdoor showers may appear aesthetically, their practical application is often what convinces homeowners to take the plunge.

• Extend the lifespan of your indoor bathroom: The indoor shower experiences daily traffic, especially if you’ve got a full house. With an outdoor shower installed, it effortlessly takes the overflow, easing congestion in the house, especially during those busy summer days when everyone’s in and out of the pool or going about gardening.
• Dealing with pets and young ones: If there’s a pet or a child that loves a good romp outdoors, the outdoor shower can act as a brilliant staging area for outdoor use. Instead of shuffling dirty fur and muddy sneakers through the house, those bits of the day’s play can be left outdoors where they belong.
• Saves you time and trouble: Installing an outdoor shower becomes the gift that keeps on giving. Consider gardening, for instance. Rather than removing your dirty attire, walking through your house, and potentially leaving a trail of dirt, to clean up, reduce steps with a quick rinse outdoors.
• An asset for entertaining: Having guests over for a typical Australian backyard barbecue or pool party? Your outdoor shower suddenly becomes an attractive and useful addition. It provides a refreshing oasis where your guests can freshen up or even rinse off after a dip in the pool.

All in all, the practical benefits of having an outdoor shower can significantly enhance your daily routine, giving you more reason to consider one for your backyard.

Consider Who Will Install Your Outdoor Shower

Before starting with a DIY outdoor shower, better think again. Hiring a professional plumber for your outdoor shower hinges on several factors, including the complexity of the installation — think hot and cold water lines, drainage system, plumbing considerations, wall attachments, etc.

It’s also important to consult with your local council regarding the legalities and regulations, such as plumbing requirements, of installing an outdoor shower.

Respect the Plumbing

Consider your drainage – pouring soapy water directly onto the ground might not be environmentally sound, so the inclusion of a grated drain that directs water runoff properly is important. This helps prevent standing water which could lead to issues with your yard or damage your walls or deck.

Embrace Professional Support

By engaging with a professional plumber, you ensure correct setup, adhering to all plumbing and drainage requirements, and proper drainage, potentially saving you future repair costs.

Also, professional plumbers are generally more comfortable with dealing with tasks such as determining if there is enough space for a shower, installing to prevent mould and moisture damage, connecting the shower to existing water lines, and providing valuable advice on proper maintenance.

Ready to Have Your Own Outdoor Shower?

The unique allure of an outdoor freestanding shower paints a vivid picture of an aesthetic and practical feature that’s more than just a luxurious accessory.

They offer an unmatched experience of showering under the open skies and can significantly contribute to maintaining a cleaner indoor environment, while also serving as a practical tool for homeowners with pools, gardens, or pets.

Furthermore, outdoor showers act as a worthy investment, adding value to your property. They ignite interest and add a unique essence to your home that could fetch a higher price tag, especially among discerning buyers seeking functional uniqueness and aesthetic appeal.

If you’re intrigued by the many wonders of an outdoor shower, why not consider making it part of your home? It could very well be the sparkling gem that your backyard has been waiting for, creating a haven amidst the gorgeous, sun-drenched Australian landscape around you.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.